BIABC EMBRACES ‘SHOP LOCAL’ AND ‘BUY CANADIAN’ BUT CAUTIONS AGAINST UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY HARM LOCAL BUSINESSES
For Immediate Release
February 19, 2025
Vancouver, BC – The current wave of nationalism that is sweeping the country along with a groundswell of support for local merchants are fully embraced by the Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC). However, the organization representing 55,000 businesses in 70 business districts across the province, also suggests there is a need to be cautious about the unintended consequences that have the potential to harm local businesses.
... Click the title for the full News Release
The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA), continues to watch and gather information on the imposed US tariff on Canadian goods. Working to inform and support our members and the local business community. We will always remain steadfast in our message and commitment to buy local.
Please review the information provided below, in an effort to provide what we can in one place. If you have any questions, suggestions or additions, please reach out.
White House says 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum would stack on other 25% tariffs
Published:
Trump's threat to annex Canada 'real' and motivated by access to critical minerals, Trudeau tells crowd
PM meeting business leaders, unions to discuss fortifying Canada's trade
Trudeau announces economic summit Friday to address U.S. tariff threats
Published Feb 05, 2025 • 1 minute read
B.C. to pause non-tariff measures aimed at the United States
Trump tariffs on Canada ‘paused’ for 30 days after border commitments
Trump, Trudeau talk tariffs this morning, expected to again this afternoon Feb. 3, 2025
CBC
News Release | Vancouver | Saturday, February 1, 2025 4:37 PM
Premier announces immediate response, vows to defend B.C. against Trump tariffs
Government of British Columbia

At this pivotal moment, we're presented with a choice; to act or back down. To us, the choice is clear. We’re doing what it takes to protect BC jobs, wages, and the services we all rely on.





Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods
List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective February 4, 2025
Backgrounder
Effective February 4, 2025, the government is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the United States (U.S.).
Love what’s yours.
There’s never been a better time to Buy BC and support the growers, producers and the food we love from here at home. Search Buy BC Products | HelloBC.com
By Canadians, for Canadians.
Spend your money wisely.
Maple Ridge Launches ‘Choose Maple Ridge’ - Support Local Campaign
Maple Ridge, B.C., Feb. 27, 2025 – Maple Ridge is rolling out the ‘Choose Maple Ridge’ Support Local campaign to encourage residents to shop, dine, and do business locally. This community-wide initiative aims to strengthen the economy, support small businesses, and build a more resilient city.
“Local businesses are the backbone of our community – providing jobs, services, and support for events and charities,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “Every dollar spent at a Maple Ridge business helps build a stronger, more vibrant city. The ‘Choose Maple Ridge’ campaign is about supporting our local businesses while ensuring our community remains resilient in the face of economic challenges.”
Developed in partnership with the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA), the campaign aligns with Support Local, Buy BC, and Team Canada initiatives. It encourages residents to shop at locally owned businesses, choose Canadian-made products, and support the city’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Business owners will also gain tools to navigate economic challenges and tariff impacts, manage supply chain impacts, and collaborate with other local businesses...
Click here to read more about the 'Choose Maple Ridge' campaign highlights and how to get involved
#ChooseMapleRidge #MapleRidge #BritishColumbia #BCBuyLocal #LocalBusiness #SupportLocal
Support Local – Strengthen Our Community!
Now is a great time to support the businesses that make Maple Ridge a vibrant and thriving community. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or business owner, choosing to shop local helps sustain jobs, strengthens the local economy, and keeps our community strong. You can make a difference!





BIABC EMBRACES ‘SHOP LOCAL’ AND ‘BUY CANADIAN’ BUT CAUTIONS AGAINST UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY HARM LOCAL BUSINESSES
For Immediate Release
February 19, 2025
Vancouver, BC – The current wave of nationalism that is sweeping the country along with a groundswell of support for local merchants are fully embraced by the Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC). However, the organization representing 55,000 businesses in 70 business districts across the province, also suggests there is a need to be cautious about the unintended consequences that have the potential to harm local businesses.
... Click the title for the full News Release
City of Maple Ridge Takes Swift Action in Response to U.S. Trade Tariffs
US Tariffs Pause - What Now?
A minimum 30-day "pause" from punishing US tariffs on all Canadian exports is reason for cautious optimism but should also serve as a wake-up call for government, businesses and consumers. Regardless of US actions, BIABC is urging the provincial government to use this window of opportunity to advance changes that will strengthen our resiliency.
Priorities for BC Government
As a starting point, BIABC is urging the province to:
o Create a stronger domestic marketplace by establishing local sourcing opportunities and expanding the Buy BC Program to support local businesses, producers, and suppliers.
o Work with their provincial counterparts to remove interprovincial trade barriers, support businesses in identifying both domestic and international market opportunities - and create avenues for business to access capital so they can potentially expand and/or tap into market opportunities, within Canada and internationally.
o Address the cost of doing business in a meaningful way to ensure there is a greater chance of business viability in the face of external pressures. This includes addressing the financial burden of the mandatory five-day sick leave policy which not only requires a business owner to pay the employee, but also the costs associated with backfilling that position. Other key elements include placing a moratorium on new business-related taxes or policies, and addressing red tape reduction and red tape redundancies that are costly and time consuming for business owners and operators.
Priorities for Businesses
BIABC encourages businesses to review supply chains for locally/BC/Canadian owned, made and grown products. Assist customers by identifying local/BC/Canadian products and services. Resources for businesses: LOCO BC; BDC; Tariffs - How to get your business ready
Priorities for Customers
Support local merchants, shops, businesses, and restaurants in your community. Purchase made in BC/Canada products and services. Read labels, ask questions. Think about all the ways that local businesses support your local community - foreign-owned establishments hire locally. Do you know where they source their supplies? Grocery Store Resource for Consumers
The trade threat is not behind us. But we can learn from this experience and take meaningful steps to ensure we are in a stronger position to withstand future challenges.
BIABC CALLS ON NDP GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES IN THE FACE OF SWEEPING US TARIFFS